A Postcolonial Interpretation Of Heart Of Darkness

Heart of Darkness, written by the renowned British novelist Joseph Conrad, is a world famous novella. Since its publication, it has been regarded as a significant text in British literature because of its modernistic features, innovative narration and artistic style.This thesis frames Heart of Darkness into postcolonial theory, comprehensively and systematically interpreting the novella according to issues such as "orientalism", the identity of "the Other", "subaltern", "hybridity" and "mimicry".The thesis is structured in seven parts. Besides the introduction and conclusion, there are five chapters with their own unique stresses and focuses for analysis. The introduction introduces the significance of Joseph Conrad and Heart of Darkness and briefly outlines the background to the novella as well as sketching an outline of the story, while listing the results and significance. Chapter one presents a literature review concerning the novella. Chapter two illustrates the backbone theories of postcolonialism, among which the views of Said's, Spivak's and Bhabha's are highlighted. Chapter three devotes to analyze Heart of Darkness by exclusively applying Said's theories. Starting from the famous question posed by Spivak:"can subaltern speak?" chapter four discusses the issue of "subaltern". Chapter five designates related psychoanalytical theories of Homi Bhabha, and strategies which can be employed in fighting against colonialism are embraced and discussed. Consequently, the conclusion reveals the ferocity meted out by the colonizers upon the "Orient", the inferiors'identity of being racial and gender subalterns are illustrated, and related revolt strategies are put forth. This thesis broadens the study of Heart of Darkness. It exposes the passive effects of the then colonial causes. Meanwhile, it presents some strategies by which the less privileged can revolt. To a certain extent, it proposes some revelations in terms of deconstructing Western power politics by proposing to structure an equal and harmonious international community among different ethics.